The National School Maintenance Week, popularly known as Brigada Eskwela, concluded yesterday, Aug. 19, 2023, with yet another volume of stories exemplifying the bayanihan culture — a Filipino trait of being helpful in the community. This also reflects the global concept of volunteerism, which involves the sharing of skills and time to help the community.
In numerous instances in the past, the bayanihan spirit emerged as a spontaneous initiative among a group of people who volunteered their time to assist fellow community members. This spirit of community action was often evident on multiple occasions during the pandemic.
Last week, the bayanihan spirit emerged once again, this time to support public schools across the nation in their preparations for the opening of the academic year 2023-2024. Parents, teachers, local governments, private companies, and non-government organizations stepped up to help implement minor to medium repair and maintenance tasks within the schools.
Even President Marcos and Vice President and concurrent Education Secretary Sara Duterte were seen applying a fresh coat of paint to classroom chairs at the Victorino Mapa High School in the City of Manila. The President led the opening of Brigada Eskwela last Aug. 14.
The participation of the President and Vice President in these maintenance efforts highlighted the significance of community involvement and collaboration in ensuring the readiness of the schools.
Brigada Eskwela started in 2003 as a program initiated by the Department of Education (DepEd) to encourage community members to help prepare the public schools for school opening. The program commences two weeks before the first day of classes.
What truly sets Brigada Eskwela apart is the progression from modest encouragement to overwhelming community support. When it was first launched, the department anticipated the participation of 4,000 schools, but “12,533 schools accepted the challenge.”
Over the years, the program has gained the support of a growing number of community members, especially parents and private companies operating within the same vicinity. According to a recent report from DepEd, it said that it has received about 44 million donations from partners, while the value of man-hours from volunteers is projected to reach a record high. Due to its success in the past school years, DepEd institutionalized the Brigada Eskwela program in 2008.
Brigada Eskwela has evolved into one of DepEd’s most vital programs, addressing “resource gaps faced by the department through strengthening partnerships with the local communities.” Stakeholders have also introduced innovations and creative approaches to enhance school facilities, creating a better learning environment for all students.
During her speech to inaugurate this year’s program on Aug. 14, under the theme “Bayanihan Para sa MATATAG na Paaralan,” Vice President Duterte said, “We appeal to the bayanihan spirit of every Filipino… na tumulong sa paghahanda ng ating mga paaralan para sa (to help in preparing our schools for the) opening of classes.”
Her appeal, and those also made by former education officials, has been met with enthusiasm and dedication. Who could refuse what our children require to learn in this post-pandemic era?
By sustaining this program, DepEd has continued to rekindle our bayanihan spirit, allowing it to shine during this time of the year. The numerous stories of participation in Brigada Eskwela will continue to inspire more people and encourage more companies to join in the spirit of volunteerism.